UNICEF’s work ‘overshadowed’ by media attention on Verwoerd

CHILDREN’S charity UNICEF has said it did not sack Melanie Verwoerd over her relationship with Gerry Ryan but admitted there had been a row over how the relationship had dominated the media.

The charity claimed its work was being “overshadowed” by stories in the media about Ms Verwoerd and were “an unwelcome distraction”.

UNICEF Ireland, in a statement, also said it had paid Ms Verwoerd two years compensation and would defend its decision if she decides to bring a case to the Employment Appeals Tribunal, claiming: “Ms Verwoerd lost the confidence of the board of UNICEF Ireland.”